TEIGNMOUTH, DEVON, UK -- The Specsavers team in Teignmouth had booked appointments every 20 minutes throughtout a day and night, completing 33 hours, 33minutes and 33 seconds of continuous eye testing and achieved 105 eye tests - setting the new world record for the Longest Day at the Optician, while raising funds for Vision Aid Overseas, according to World Record Academy (www.worldrecordacademy.com).

Photo: Jess Turner (manager) and Simon Simmonds (director) by the finishing clock during the Longest Day at the Optician. Photo by Mary Chapman (enlarge photos)

The Guinness world record for the most eye tests performed in 8 hours was 1,109 and was achieved by Kaiser Permanente (USA) at the Vandever Medical Office Building in San Diego, California, USA.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the most eye tests in one hour: 648 - achieved by Specsavers International B.V. in 92 locations throughout the Netherlands.

Simon Simmonds the director and owner of Teignmouth Specsavers said " I came up with the idea as I thought it would be something, unique that had never been attempted before in our profession.

Photo: Mayor David Cox being patient No. 6 of the World's Longest Day at the Optician. Photo by Mary Chapman. (enlarge photo)

"I wanted to do something big, which would not only excite my team, but our local community as well. It has driven great positivity, and is something that all participants should be proud of."

"They have delivered a professional service through meticulous planning, engaged the local community with a novel world record attempt, and help raise awareness of eye health and the value of having eye tests.

"Donating the eye test fees to Vision Aid Overseas and thus showing our commitment to the disadvantaged people around the world who suffer from poor eyesight. We are really proud of their achievement."

John Margetts, optometrist at Teignmouth Specsavers said: "to be involved in this record attempt has been really exciting. It has never been tried before, and relied heavily on the participation of the local community. They all supported the idea, and we were fully booked, even through the night!".

"It has been a real challenge, but between us, working in 8 hour shifts, we were able to maintain our professional focus and expertise".

Jess Turner the manager of the store said: "It was a crazy idea from our store director, which we thought would be something exciting to do. Especially when we found out it hadn't been done before.

" It has taken a lot of planning, been really stressful to organise, but we're so proud of our achievement. Not only to make a new world record, but to help the disadvantaged at the same time is a great feeling!"